Tragedy to Triumph—The Story of Tom's Heart is a new book outlining the emotional journey of the donor family and the heart recipient to encourage organ and tissue donation. BioMatrix is a transplant-focused specialty pharmacy dedicated to the unique needs of the transplant community. We supported this book to help authors Janet and Pete share their exceptional story and raise awareness about the importance of organ donation. We recently caught up with the book’s authors to bring you this interview.
What inspired you to team up and co-author Tragedy to Triumph, the Story of Tom’s Heart?
Pete: The journey started 24 years ago when I received my heart transplant—Tom’s heart. Even though Tom’s mom, Janet, and I exchanged some letters, we did not actually speak until about 2 years after the transplant. When you receive such a lifesaving gift, there is an inherit guilt that someone had to die so you could live. When a transplant recipient writes to their donor family, how do you say thank you for a gift resulting from tragedy? The words come off as hollow. I felt the book would provide a great opportunity to leave a written legacy honoring my donor and his family while encouraging others to consider organ donation.
Jan: I was ecstatic to receive a thank you letter from Pete in July of 1998, one year after my son’s death. We continued these letters which helped us get to know each other and feel more comfortable. Without expressed consent, all donor and recipient contact information remains confidential, and correspondence occurs through the organ procurement agency (OPO). I requested the OPO provide my personal information to Pete so he could contact me directly. Pete called me immediately after receiving my contact information, on December 22nd. He thanked me for the gift of life. It was incredible and hard to believe that I was speaking to the man that received Tom’s heart. I felt an immediate bond. Christmas was a few days later, a very difficult time because I missed Tom. Pete called me again on Christmas, and I had the opportunity to speak with his entire family. They could not thank me enough. It was the best gift I received that year. During my conversation with Pete, he asked if I would be willing to do two things. Pete first wanted to know if I would be willing to write a book together with him. Second, he asked if I would be willing to speak with him publicly to promote the importance of organ donation. I immediately said yes.
What was it like meeting each other for the first time?
Pete: You have no idea how many emotions can coexist at one time during such a moment. It’s difficult to describe. After our initial embrace, I asked if she wanted to listen to my heartbeat. Time seemed to stand still. That moment was a culmination of so many experiences and absolute raw emotion. I will never forget it.
Jan: It was absolutely surreal. Even though I knew a heart transplant was medically possible, how do you believe your son’s heart is in someone else? To know I carried, birthed, and cared for Tom and that his heart now allowed Pete’s life to be restored was both a miracle and a joy. Putting my head on Pete’s chest and listening to my son’s heart, now Pete’s, brought a connection to Tom that I thought I’d lost forever. The sound of that beating heart brought comfort and joy to my soul, a tear to my eye, and immediately strengthened my bond with Pete. My thoughts and feelings are reflected in a poem I wrote on pages 182-184 of the book.
What’s the key message you hope to convey with the book?
Pete: Without a doubt, the goal is to establish organ donation as the norm. For too long choosing to be an organ donor has been the exception and not the rule. This is a guidebook that I hope acts as a catalyst to encourage more organ donation. This is the first book including the perspective from both the recipient and donor family. In addition to encouraging donation, I hope this book provides comfort and support for other donor families and transplant recipients in the community.
Jan: Saying yes to donation is definitely the key message. I hope the book encourages people to consider giving the gift of life to others. I also hope the book helps donor families see a purpose in their tragedy and aid in their future healing. If this book encourages, inspires, or helps others in any way I would be most honored. My wish is that transplant recipients value and care for their lifesaving gift because it was given at a high cost. Pete has indeed cared for his heart!
Learn More
In tragedy there is also hope. Help make organ donation the norm as opposed to the exception. Please click the button below for more information and to order your copy of the book.
Stay informed on the latest trends in healthcare and specialty pharmacy.
Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, BioMatrix Abstract.
We value your privacy. Review our Privacy Policy here.
